Page 28 of A Resistance of Witches

“I hope you find what you are looking for.” Rebecca hadn’t known she was going to say it, but the words came out anyway. “Think about what I said.”

Lydia nodded. “Be safe.”

Rebecca drove away and did not look back, leaving Lydia standing alone on the windswept hill.

Eleven

Lydia watched the black Citroën disappear into the distance.

The temperature had dropped in the last few hours, and a biting wind tore through her coat. Night would be here soon. She looked up at the battered face of Château de Laurier. None of her magic lent itself to getting inside, and for the first time, she wished that she could have been born a Glamourer or a Traveler instead of a Projectionist. Kitty would have made short work of a problem like this one. No, she would need to devise a more practical method of gaining entry to the château in order to complete the tracking spell and find the book.

Lydia looked up, expecting to see the silver moon hanging above her like a guillotine, but there were only murky clouds. The full moon was just one day away. One day until she could reattempt the tracking spell and find theGrimorium Bellum.

As her thoughts began to quicken, she became alert to a sensationjust on the periphery of her consciousness—a creeping feeling, like seeing movement just out of the corner of your eye. Lydia gave the feeling her full attention. After a moment, she smiled.

“Hello, Sybil.”

Sybil appeared a moment later, her image swimming like a drop of ink in a glass of water. “I should have known I couldn’t spy on you for long. You’ve always had a talent for spotting a hidden projection.”

“I had an excellent teacher. I’m only surprised I didn’t hear from you sooner.”

Sybil looked chagrined. “I popped in on you once or twice, after you didn’t appear for the selection ceremony. I was worried. Terrified, actually. Imagine my surprise when I found you getting a primer in spy craft from the SOE. After that I thought it best to give you some space. In case…”

In case Sybil was being watched.Lydia cringed to think how worried she must have been.

“I’m sorry, Sybil.”

Sybil’s image wavered ever so slightly. Her face was lit by yellow lamplight, making her look out of place in the fading dusk. Behind her, Lydia could see the watery outline of an enormous window, surrounded by books.

“You’re in Isadora’s study.”

Sybil’s smile faltered. “Actually, it’s my study now.” She looked slightly embarrassed, and all at once Lydia understood.

“Oh, Sybil, you angel!” Lydia had taken for granted that Vivian had been selected as grand mistress in her stead. She hadn’t even considered that the council might elect another. “Congratulations. I can think of no one more deserving. How did you manage it?”

“Through a great deal of fawning and bootlicking, I’m afraid. But desperate times call for desperate measures. I couldn’t simply stand byand let Vivian have it. Not after what she’s…” She stopped, still unable to give voice to what they both suspected. She cleared her throat. “You should know I plan on abdicating when you return. I never did have the stomach for politics.” She looked around, her face becoming serious. “Darling, please tell me you’re not where I think you are.”

“Where do you think I am?”

“Don’t be cheeky. You’re in France, aren’t you? You’re going after theGrimorium Bellum.”

Lydia didn’t answer.

“Are you safe?”

“A few close shaves, but so far I’m all right.”

Sybil sighed. “I don’t suppose there’s any way I can convince you to come home?”

Lydia looked around her. Bare trees swayed in the wind, and the sky had gone as purple as a bruise.Tomorrow. This can all be over tomorrow.

“No. I need to finish this. If there’s even a chance I can prevent more carnage, then—” She stopped as the familiar serpent of grief coiled itself around her lungs.

“It won’t bring them back.” Sybil looked sad, and for the first time Lydia noticed how tired she looked, the puffiness under her eyes, the lines around her mouth.

“I know.”

Sybil huffed. “Damn your stubbornness. I won’t force you. But I can’t help you either. Vivian and the council have left me rather toothless, I’m afraid. The best I can do is offer you a way home. Say the word, and I’ll have a Traveler there for you within the hour. Unless you’d prefer to hike the Pyrenees?”

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